WATER FOR BAYS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 85, 7 October 1931, Page 9

WATER FOR BAYS

LOWER HUTT TO SUPPLY

DRAINAGE WILL FOLLOW

AGREEMENT COMPLETED

Eastbourne's long search for a water supply for its growing needs has now been ended. •For years the Health Department has been pressing Eastbourne to provide itself with a sewerage system, which, of course, means also an adequate water supply. Eastbourne has not been unmindful of its obligations, but the question of the source and tho cost were difficult points to settle. It was at one time expected that Gollans Valley would provide an adequate supply, but after careful investigation this source was not considered satisfactory. A aeries of experimental bores were then made, in tho hope that a local artesian supply would be tapped. The services of a water-diviner were sought, and though some hopes were held out all the experiments were a failure. This failure was, by the way, predicted by men of experience in artesian water supplies, who held that the underground river ran out under the harbour some distance west of Eastbourne. Negotiations with Wellington City for a supply from tho Waimii-o-mata mains proved fruitless. The borough then considered the purchase of a section of land in Lower Hutt, tho sinking of its own artesian wells, and tho installation of its own pumping plant. To this end negotiations were entered into for the purchase of a section from the Lower Hutt Borough Council in Seaview road, but after due considera-, tion this scheme was abandoned or hold in abeyance while negotiations were entered into with the Pctono and Lower Hutt Borough Councils for the purchase of water in bulk. These negotiations ended last week, when the Eastbourne council signed an agreement with the Lower Hutt Borough Council for a supply, the agreement being completed last evening when tho Lower Hutt council gave authority for its signature to the document. BENEFITS TO COME. . The benefits to Eastbourne of a satisfactory water supply and drainage system are obvious, and the installation of these conveniences should mean a new era of prosperity to that .popular seaside resort, whore the influx of a large summer population has been a source of anxiety on the score of health. The provision of summer camps of country visitors at Eastbourne is now made possible, and the health of the all-the-yoar-round residents safeguarded. The putting in hand of this work at the present time should bo welcome news to the unemployed and to those who are responsible for finding work for the unemployed. It is understood that the Unemployment Board has favourably considered a subsidy towards the work, which will directly provide employment for many men. It is expected that the installation of the sewerage system will proceed simultaneously with tho water reticulation of the borough. The direct benefit to unemployment will, however, possibly be much less than the indirect benefit, for every house will be called upon to install both water and drainage conveniences, and this will moan a large amount of employment. The provision of. baths and drain pipes will assist the local industries of tho Dominion, so that the work may be considered as a national one. The number of houses in Eastbourno is about 800, and as it is extremely likely that places on the route of the mains and in Day's Bay will take advantage of the supply, the number to be connected will not be many less than 1000. TERMS OF AGREEMENT. The agreement, of thirteen clauses, provides:— (1) That Lower Hutt shall supply and Eastbourno take water for domestic, trade, and public purposes for Eastbourne and elsewhere for a period of 15 years commencing on Ist March, 1932. , (2) Lower Hutt shall sink wells and construct a pumping station, provide a reservoir of a minimum capacity of 250,000 gallons at a floor level height of 415 feet, and all tilings necessary to supply potable artesian water, the maximum cost of which shall be 4d per 1000 gallons. (The datum for the supply level is a line 40ft below mean high water mark.) (S) Lower Hutt is to maintain a supply of not less than 250,000 gallons per day of 24 hours wholly available for the purchaser. (4) Eastbourne agrees to take all its water requirements from the Lower Hutt Borough Council. (5) Eastbourne shall provide in the name of the Lower Hutt Borough Council the necessary easements. At the end of 15 years Eastbourne, if it so desires, to have the right to lay its own. main on tho land on which the rising main to the reservoir is placed. Clauses 6 and 7 deal with the provision and maintenance by Eastbourne of a. meter through which all the water from the reservoir shall pass before entering tho Eastbourne main. (8) Lower Hutt shall deliver (unless prevented by inevitable cause or act of God) through the meter, and Eastbonrno shall take not loss than 150,000 or more than 250,000 gallons per day of 24 hours based on the monthly average reading of the meter. (9) During the first year Eastbourne shall pay Lower Hutt for such quantity of water only as is consumed, and during the second year shall pay for a minimum supply of 125,000 gallons per day, and thereafter for a minimum supply of 150,000 gallons, notwithstanding that the said quantity may not be taken. (10) The maximum price to bo paid by Eastbourne shall be 4d per 1000 gallons up to 150,000 gallons per day with, however, a provision that aEter a period of twelve months a review of the price to be charged per 1000 gallons up to 150,000 gallons shall be made (the factors to be taken into consideration being tho production costs, etc.), with a further consideration should more than 150,000 gallons be taken, such further consideration to carry a reduction (if found practicable) pur 1000 gallons for each 50,000 gallons per day taken in excess of 150,000. A further provision in this clause requires Lower Hutt to provide, within a reasonable time after receiving six months' notice, such additional water as Eastbourne may reasonably require in excess of 250*000 gallons per day. Clauses 11-12 provide for quarterly payments to bo made by Eastbourne, and a penalty for nonpayment. (13) Provides for the appointment of a single arbitrator to settle all disputes regarding construction or other matters, or in the event of failure to agree, upon a single arbitrator the appointment of ono by each party. HIGH PRESSURE SUPPLY. Eastbourne residents will note that the pressure provided by tho height of tho reservoir will be more than ample for fire-fighting purposes. While the normal pressure of the present Lower Hutt supply is only some 50 or 601bs the pressure of the Eastbourne supply lakcri at the Kastbourne wharf, should be 1601b, while the pressure^ under tho j